Water heater anode rod

downtheroad wrote:
Here is a basic guide...I replace mine when it looks to be at about 50%....or whenever I just "feel" it's the right time..they are very inexpensive.

I change mine when the bare rod is exposed. If the rod becomes weak and brakes, then it will have to be fished out thru the drain hole. Maybe the rod will last forever but I'm not waiting to find out.

downtheroad wrote:
Here is a basic guide...I replace mine when it looks to be at about 50%....or whenever I just "feel" it's the right time..they are very inexpensive.

The majority of mine looks like the 25%, except for the end closest to the threads where it is 60% corroded.

Also rod usage depends a lot on water quality.

Jim

I replaced mine once or twice a year. I was able to extend that period by draining the water heater when the rig was not in use.

Just a note of caution. Make sure you relieve the pressure in the water heater tank before you remove the rod. Otherwise, the rod can become a projectile. You can relieve the pressure by opening the relief valve.

Suburban does offer an aluminum anode rod if the magnesium one breaks down too quickly, but that's usually considered a couple per year- It will break down faster at the end- if it's just 60% at that end, you have at least another season before needing replacement.

Make sure to use Teflon tape when putting it back in, otherwise, it will fuse permanently to the water heater. This is info I'm glad I learned secondhand.

Here is a basic guide...I replace mine when it looks to be at about 50%....or whenever I just "feel" it's the right time..they are very inexpensive.

By corroding away, it is doing its job. It all depends on the water source, on how long it will last. It is a $7.00 part, I keep a spare all the time and replace it as needed, %50 gone.

You may have more usage per season than I or the previous poster. The rods are not that expensive and it is true that they are cheaper than a water heater.

I replace mine every two to three years if it needs it or not. I would reather spend a little money on a rod than lots of money on a new water heater. How fast they need replaced depends on how hard or soft the water you have in your area is.